The legend is back. In a move that has sent shockwaves of excitement through the truck community, Ram has announced the triumphant return of the iconic 5.7L HEMI® V8 for the 2026 Ram 1500.
For truck owners here in Omaha, this news hits different. We know what a truck needs to do it all—from hauling materials to a job site in Papillion, to confidently navigating a Midwest snowstorm on I-680. The return of Ram’s most legendary V8 isn’t just exciting; it’s the return of a trusted partner for life in Nebraska. Here at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram, your local Omaha Ram dealership, we’ve heard the demand from our customers, and this feels like a direct answer.
However, the return of the HEMI® V8 isn’t the only change for the 2026 version of the 1500. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything that makes the 2026 1500 an unbeatable choice. We’ll cover the exciting return of the HEMI®, break down its new features, and see how it stacks up against the competition.
What’s New for the 2026 Ram 1500?
The 2026 Ram 1500 is a showcase of Ram listening to its customers. The updates are meaningful, powerful, and designed for the modern truck owner.
Unmatched Ride Comfort and Innovation
Ram’s class-exclusive coil-spring rear suspension returns, delivering the exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride that sets it apart from the competition. You’ll feel the difference on every road, from freshly paved highways to rugged country lanes. Plus, innovative features like the RamBox® Cargo Management System and multifunction tailgate provide smart, practical solutions for work and play.
The Glorious Return of the 5.7L HEMI® V8
You asked, and Ram delivered. The beloved 5.7L HEMI® V8 is back, delivering the robust 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque that drivers have relied on for years. This legendary engine, paired with the eTorque mild-hybrid system for enhanced refinement, brings back the signature rumble and commanding performance that truck lovers crave.
The HEMI® V8 will be available across a wide range of trims, including the Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, and Limited, ensuring there’s a HEMI®-powered truck for every need and budget.
All-New Express and Black Express Trims
For 2026, Ram introduces the brand-new Express trim, offering a perfect blend of bold style and incredible value. The Express trim stands out with its sporty, blacked-out headlamp bezels and a sleek dark gray interior.
For those wanting an even more aggressive look, an available Black Express appearance package adds a sport hood and 20-inch black wheels, making a statement on the streets of Omaha.
A Full Spectrum of Powerful Engines
The return of the HEMI® V8 doesn’t replace Ram’s other incredible engines; it complements them, creating the most diverse engine lineup in the full-size truck market.
3.6L Pentastar® V6 with eTorque: The reliable standard, offering a great balance of efficiency and capability for daily driving.
3.0L Hurricane Standard Output (SO): A modern workhorse, this twin-turbo inline-six produces an impressive 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque.
3.0L Hurricane High Output (HO): For pure performance, the HO version unleashes a class-shattering 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque.
This “power of choice” strategy ensures that whether you’re a V8 purist or a tech-forward performance seeker, there’s a Ram 1500 engine for you at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram.
Class-Leading Interior Luxury
The 2026 Ram 1500 continues to set the benchmark for interior refinement. The cabin is meticulously crafted with premium materials and features the intuitive Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen. Top-tier trims like the Tungsten offer unparalleled luxury with quilted leather, massaging front seats, and a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system that will make your commute through the Old Market feel like a concert.
A Game-Changing New Warranty for Unbeatable Peace of Mind
Perhaps one of the most significant updates for the 2026 model year is the introduction of Ram’s new, class-leading warranty coverage. This isn’t just a minor adjustment; it’s a comprehensive overhaul designed to provide Ram owners with unparalleled peace of mind and long-term value. This bold move demonstrates Ram’s supreme confidence in the quality and durability of its trucks, including the new Hurricane engines and the returning HEMI® V8.
The New 10-Year, 100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty
For years, the standard in the truck world has been a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. For 2026, Ram is rewriting the rules. The new warranty structure is designed to protect your investment for longer, ensuring that your truck is covered for the long haul. This is especially reassuring for Omaha drivers who rely on their trucks day in and day out, whether for demanding jobs or family adventures.
The new warranty provides more extensive coverage, protecting the critical components that keep your truck running strong. This includes extended protection for the powerful and technologically advanced Hurricane engines, giving new adopters complete confidence in their performance and reliability. This enhanced warranty isn’t just about covering repairs; it’s about delivering a promise of quality from the manufacturer, a promise we stand behind here at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram.
Understanding the full scope of this new warranty is crucial for any potential truck buyer, as it represents a significant part of the total cost of ownership. The extended coverage can save you money on potential repairs down the road and adds considerable resale value. To help our customers get a complete picture, we’ve put together a detailed guide on our blog. For an in-depth breakdown of what’s covered, term lengths, and how it compares to the competition, be sure to read our 2026 Ram Warranty Guide for Omaha Drivers.
HEMI® vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head V8 Showdown
The return of the 5.7L HEMI® V8 puts the 2026 Ram 1500 right back in the center of the V8 rivalry. Here’s how it stacks up against the V8 offerings from Ford and Chevrolet:
| 2026 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI® V8 | 395 hp | 410 lb-ft torque |
| 2025 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 | 400 hp | 410 lb-ft torque |
| 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 | 355 hp | 383 lb-ft torque |
| 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2L V8 | 420 hp | 460 lb-ft torque |
The HEMI® V8 stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ford’s V8 and handily outperforms the Silverado‘s standard 5.3L V8. The classic V8 rivalry is a major factor for many truck buyers in our area. While we are huge fans of the powerful V8 engines you’ll find just down the road at our sister store, H+H Chevrolet, the return of Ram’s most iconic powertrain gives Ram loyalists in Omaha an undeniable and legendary choice they’ve been waiting for.
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Learn more about the return of the HEMI® V8.
How the 2026 Ram 1500 Impacts Omaha Truck Owners
In a place like Omaha, your truck is an essential tool. The “power of choice” that Ram now offers, backed by an industry-leading warranty, is perfectly suited for our community.
For the Traditionalist: The passion for V8 power runs deep in Nebraska. The unmistakable sound of a HEMI® is part of the local culture, and for many, there is no substitute for its proven reliability and straightforward performance.
For the Modern Workhorse: With all the growth around the city, the powerful and efficient Hurricane engines are a perfect fit for contractors and businesses looking for class-leading performance and capability, now with the added security of a fantastic warranty.
For the Weekend Warrior: Whether you’re towing a camper to Mahoney State Park or simply demand the most power available, the Hurricane High-Output engine is a game-changer, offering performance that will stand out anywhere in the Metro.
The bottom line is that whether you’re a HEMI® loyalist or a fan of the new Hurricane technology, H+H Jeep Dodge Ram has the engine perfectly suited for your Omaha lifestyle.
Alternative Ram Powertrains Available for 2026
Ram’s “power of choice” philosophy is charging into the future with a revolutionary new pickup that redefines electric capability. In a strategic shift, Ram is focusing on a single, game-changing solution that eliminates range anxiety while delivering incredible EV performance: the 2026 Ram 1500 REV.
The Ram 1500 REV: Electric Power Without Limits
Initially previewed as a fully electric truck, the vehicle platform has evolved. The 2026 Ram 1500 REV is now a groundbreaking Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), offering a brilliant “best-of-both-worlds” solution for Omaha drivers.
Here’s how it works: The REV is always propelled by its powerful dual electric motors, which generate a staggering 663 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of instant torque. A large 92-kWh battery provides the primary power for silent, all-electric driving. But what makes the REV unique is the onboard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that functions exclusively as a generator. The gas engine never directly powers the wheels; it simply recharges the battery when needed.
This ingenious setup gives you all the benefits of an EV—the quiet ride, thrilling acceleration, and emissions-free daily commuting—while completely eliminating range anxiety. If the battery runs low on a long road trip across Nebraska, the V6 seamlessly kicks in to generate more electricity, giving you a class-shattering total range of up to 690 miles. It’s the perfect no-compromise truck for those who are EV-curious but need the absolute confidence to go anywhere, anytime.
To learn more about this revolutionary technology, check out our in-depth look at the 2026 Ram 1500 REV.
Initially previewed as a fully electric truck, the vehicle platform has evolved. The 2026 Ram 1500 REV is now a groundbreaking Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), offering a brilliant “best-of-both-worlds” solution for Omaha drivers.
Here’s how it works: The REV is always propelled by its powerful dual electric motors, which generate a staggering 663 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of instant torque. A large 92-kWh battery provides the primary power for silent, all-electric driving. But what makes the REV unique is the onboard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that functions exclusively as a generator. The gas engine never directly powers the wheels; it simply recharges the battery when needed.
This ingenious setup gives you all the benefits of an EV—the quiet ride, thrilling acceleration, and emissions-free daily commuting—while completely eliminating range anxiety. If the battery runs low on a long road trip across Nebraska, the V6 seamlessly kicks in to generate more electricity, giving you a class-shattering total range of up to 690 miles. It’s the perfect no-compromise truck for those who are EV-curious but need the absolute confidence to go anywhere, anytime.
To learn more about this revolutionary technology, check out our in-depth look at the 2026 Ram 1500 REV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the 2026 Ram 1500
1. Is the 5.7L HEMI® V8 really back for the 2026 Ram 1500?
Yes, it is! Ram has officially brought back the legendary 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine for the 2026 model year, producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. It will be available on a wide range of trims.
2. What are all the engine options for the 2026 Ram 1500?
The 2026 Ram 1500 offers the “power of choice” with a diverse lineup:
- 3.6L Pentastar® V6 with eTorque
- 5.7L HEMI® V8 with eTorque
- 3.0L Hurricane Standard Output (SO) twin-turbo inline-six
- 3.0L Hurricane High Output (HO) twin-turbo inline-six
- 2026 Ram 1500 REV: A Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) powertrain.
3. What is the most powerful powertrain available in the 2026 Ram 1500?
The most powerful option is the new Ram 1500 REV, whose dual electric motors produce a combined 663 horsepower. For traditional gasoline engines, the 3.0L Hurricane High Output (HO) is the leader with 540 horsepower.
4. What is the new warranty for the 2026 Ram 1500?
For 2026, Ram has introduced a new, class-leading 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is a significant upgrade that provides long-term peace of mind.
5. What is the 2026 Ram 1500 REV?
The 2026 Ram 1500 REV is a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV). It’s an electric truck that uses an onboard gasoline engine purely as a generator to recharge the battery, giving it a best-in-class total range of up to 690 miles while eliminating range anxiety.
7. Where can I buy the 2026 Ram 1500 in Omaha?
H+H Jeep Dodge Ram is your premier destination for the 2026 1500 in the Omaha area.
The Legend Roars On at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram
The return of the 5.7L HEMI® V8, combined with a groundbreaking new warranty and a full slate of powerful engine options, makes the 2026 Ram 1500 a truly dominant force. It’s a reaffirmation of Ram’s identity and its commitment to its customers. The 2026 Ram 1500 now stands as a testament to the power of choice, offering an unbeatable powertrain for every possible need.
The best way to understand the excitement is to experience it firsthand. We invite you to visit us at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram, located right here in Omaha, to hear that legendary HEMI® rumble for yourself. Our team is ready to show you the entire 2026 Ram 1500 lineup and help you find the perfect truck for your needs. You can also browse our new Ram 1500 inventory online at hhjeepdodgeram.com or schedule a test drive today!
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